If your skin is red, irritated, inflamed, or scaly-looking, you may be suffering from the skin condition known as eczema. No one is quite sure what causes this condition, but it afflicts children and adults around the world. This article will share some useful advice about the treatment and prevention of this condition.

When buying a detergent, look for something that is not scented. If you are having trouble finding one that works for you, look for products labeled “free and clear” and see if they work. In addition, it may be best not to use a fabric softener at all. This product can cause an issue for people with eczema, so it is usually not worth the risk.

You should always use sunscreen. This is even more important when you have eczema. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 so you don’t get a sunburn. Having a sunburn can make your skin even itchier than usual. You could use sunscreens specifically formulated for the face on the entire body. These are generally more gentle to use.

Lotions and creams do not usually work as well as ointments. Ointments have a bit more oil in them, which generally helps them moisturize more effectively. They are a little harder to apply than creams, however, but they are much better at adding a protective layer to the skin and easing your symptoms.

Keep your hands protected. Wear rubber gloves while washing dishes or performing another activity in which your hands are submersed in water. For further protection, wear cotton gloves underneath the rubber ones to reduce sweat and irritation. Use the cotton gloves while performing other activities, such as gardening and housework.

Eczema can cause your skin to become dry and itchy. If you want to stay away from itching and dryness, you should apply some moisturizers. Most people think that moisturized hydrate the skin which isn’t true. What moisturizers do are to seal in a person’s own moisture and body oils. Doing this regularly helps prevent dryness and the skin from cracking.

Try to keep your sweat at bay. Prolonged sweating can exacerbate your eczema symptoms. If you’re an active person, it’s important to cool down the minute you finish any physical activity. For instance, a quick shower will help.

Use an antibiotic ointment on severely cracked skin. This can prevent infections from forming. It also serves as a moisturizer. Do this sparingly though; prolonged use of antibiotic ointments can render them ineffective. If you do have an infection, you should consult your doctor, who may give you an oral antibiotic.

It is recommended that you find out what can trigger your eczema. It might be a certain fabric, soap, a laundry detergent, or something else entirely. Maybe you always have an outbreak after you sweat too much. Keep a list of your triggers.

People that have eczema are prone to skin infections. When the skin is irritated, sometimes its surface cracks and gaps are formed. Germs can envade the skin through these gaps and cause an infection. To reduce this risk, use a mild, non-drying cleanser on your skin to remove dirt, bacteria, and other foreign matter. Gently apply the cleanser with your fingertips and rinse it off with tepid water.

If your doctor has approved over-the-counter ointments for your eczema, make sure you get the right kinds. You should be looking at products that are only 20% water and 80% oil. While they may feel greasier, they will lock moisture in your skin better. Try not to use these products in areas that get sweaty.

Do you have eczema on your hands or wrists? Cold winter weather can be really brutal on these areas if they are not properly protected. The cold, dry air associated with winter can increase the dryness of your skin. Of course, this can cause a flare-up of your eczema. To help prevent this from happening, rub a ointment-based moisturizer on your hands and wrists. When you go outside, wear gloves for added protection.

Take care not to scratch. If you tend to scratch in your sleep, be sure the itchy areas are covered by gauze, bandages or pajamas. Trim your fingernails very short so that you will not be able to scratch much while sleeping. Use cold compresses and/or anti-itch treatments right before bed.

Avoid soaps. Soap is a very alkaline substance that is not suitable for sensitive skin. If you do not feel like water gets you clean enough, try a cleanser with a neutral pH balance. Soaps with added fragrance are even worse for your skin when you suffer from eczema.

Whether you, or someone that you know, is suffering from eczema, the advice you have read here will be very useful to you. You do not have to just passively accept your condition. Take action and use the tips that you have read here to control your eczema and prevent it from recurring.

Say Goodbye To Eczema By Using This Advice was originally published on Spring